John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com.
Rolling hills bathed in golden sunshine, quaint towns dripping with small-town charm and folksy accents, and communities bound by strong, unshakeable bonds. This idyllic image of rural life is a staple of Hollywood movies, painting a picture-perfect landscape that often bears little resemblance to reality. While there’s undeniable beauty and unique value in rural living, the romanticized portrayals on-screen can create unrealistic expectations and mask the very real challenges these communities face.
City life in films is often depicted as a soulless concrete jungle filled with stress, alienation and a yearning for simpler times. The countryside, on the other hand, becomes a haven of peace and connection, offering an escape from the grind. What gets lost in this narrative are the struggles inherent to rural life. Few job opportunities, limited retail options, lack of access to quality healthcare and education, and social isolation are just some of the hurdles many rural residents grapple with daily. The romanticized version conveniently glosses over these hardships, painting a one-sided picture of idyllic serenity.
Hollywood loves to depict rural towns as close-knit communities where everyone knows everyone, doors are always open and neighbors rally around each other in times of need. While a sense of community absolutely exists in rural areas, it’s often far more complex. Tight-knit communities can also breed exclusion and intolerance, making it difficult for outsiders or those with different viewpoints to feel welcome. Additionally, the Hollywood image ignores the social and economic divisions that can exist within rural communities, creating unrealistic expectations of constant harmony.
While films generally depict the undeniable beauty of rural landscapes – lush green fields, majestic mountains and star-studded skies, they often fail to capture the harsh realities of living in nature’s embrace. Extreme weather events, isolation during storms and dependence on unpredictable natural resources are everyday challenges for many rural residents. The romanticized portrayal can downplay these difficulties, creating a misleading image of constant pastoral bliss.
This isn’t to say that rural life is devoid of its charms. The slower pace, deep connection to nature and strong sense of community can be incredibly fulfilling. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge the complexities and challenges that come alongside these benefits. By presenting a more nuanced portrayal, Hollywood can move beyond the romanticized fantasy and create a more authentic and insightful representation of rural life.
The 1987 film “Funny Farm” humorously illustrated some common rural tropes. In the movie, a New York sportswriter leaves his Manhattan newspaper job to retreat to the tiny New England town of Redbud and chase his dream of becoming a novelist. The rural community turns out to be nothing like his expectations, with unlikeable locals, a psychotic mailman, disgusting cafe food and a general sense of social isolation. When he and his wife decide to try to sell their property and move back to the city, they call a town meeting, distribute old Saturday Evening Post magazines and bribe the townsfolk to act like the people in the pictures while potential buyers are in town.
Understanding the often stark realities faced by residents of rural communities ultimately contributes to more informed and constructive dialogues about their needs and aspirations. The next time you see a film depicting the rural idyll, remember that the reality is likely far more multifaceted. Let’s celebrate the unique beauty of rural life while acknowledging its challenges and taking the portrayals on screen with a big dash of salt.